A two-bay network-attached storage unit designed for faster local backups and smooth 4K streaming, the QNAP TS-264 NAS combines Multi-Gig connectivity with M.2 caching. Confident data handling and flexible expansion bring reassurance to home and small office users. Are the connectivity and expansion options the right match for growing storage needs?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Transfer Speed: Port bonding of two 2.5GbE ports enables aggregate throughput up to 5 Gbps
- • Best for: Home users and small offices needing faster LAN backups and smoother media streaming
- • Not ideal for: Large enterprise environments requiring many drive bays or rackmount systems
Compact two-bay NAS engineered for faster local backups and media streaming. Balanced hardware and expansion options suit home and small office setups.
Faster local transfers, thanks to dual 2.5GbE ports and port bonding
Two integrated 2.5GbE ports support 2.5G/1G/100M and can be bonded to reach aggregate throughput up to 5 Gbps for high-speed LAN transfers.
Large backups and file moves complete more quickly across the local network, reducing wait times for multiple users and speeding workflow.
Improved responsiveness, with M.2 NVMe caching and Qtier auto-tiering
Two M.2 PCIe Gen3 slots accept NVMe SSDs for cache acceleration or SSD storage pools, while Qtier auto-tiering optimises data placement between SSDs and SATA drives.
Frequently used files and virtual machines load faster, making the NAS more suitable for media editing, virtualised apps and everyday responsiveness.
Flexible growth potential, with PCIe expandability and high-speed USB
A PCIe Gen3 x2 slot accepts add-in cards such as Multi-Gig or QM2 modules, and two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports provide 10Gbps external throughput for fast backups and peripherals.
Network bandwidth and external I/O can be upgraded as demands change, keeping the system relevant as requirements grow.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for QNAP TS-264 NAS
- M.2 NVMe caching - Speeds up random I/O for virtual machines and editing projects
- PCIe expandability - Enables 10GbE cards or QM2 modules for future-proof upgrades
- Dual USB 3.2 Gen2 ports - Fast external transfers and direct 10Gbps backup to drives
- Hardware AES-NI encryption - Protects sensitive files without a significant performance penalty
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Processor: Intel Celeron N5095 quad-core
- RAM: Up to 8GB DDR4 (8GB supported)
- Drive Bays: 2-bay SATA 6Gb/s
- M.2 Slots: Two M.2 PCIe Gen3 slots (NVMe support)
- Network: Two 2.5GbE ports (2.5G/1G/100M)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the NAS reach 5 Gbps transfer speeds on a local network?
A: Yes, by configuring port bonding across the two integrated 2.5GbE ports, aggregate transfer rates of up to 5 Gbps can be achieved.
Q: Does the unit support NVMe caching for faster performance?
A: Yes, two M.2 PCIe Gen3 slots enable NVMe SSD caching or SSD storage pools to accelerate random I/O and improve responsiveness.
Q: Can network or connectivity be expanded later?
A: Yes, a PCIe Gen3 x2 slot accepts add-in cards such as Multi-Gig 10GbE, 5GbE or additional interfaces, and there are two USB 3.2 Gen2 ports for fast external I/O.
🏆 Our Verdict
The QNAP TS-264 NAS is well suited to home users and small offices that need faster local backups, smoother 4K streaming and modest virtualisation. The combination of dual 2.5GbE networking, M.2 NVMe caching and PCIe expansion delivers the key flexibility that makes the unit useful over time. For anyone seeking upgradeable, compact storage that grows with requirements, the TS-264 NAS represents strong long-term value.
